People sing songs about Santa Claus and lie to their children (the real Nicholas was a godly man), making him a demigod that rewards good behavior with toys once a year. Secularists obscure the true meaning of Christmas with sentiment.
The truth is known to some extent by many professing Christians: Jesus came into the world to save us. But what does that really mean? Far too many people make salvation into a means of gain, a way to be a good person, be happy, get the most out of life right now. In some cultures, "accepting Jesus" is taken to mean, "Add Jesus to your list of gods", but without emphasizing that false gods must be forsaken, and surrendering to the lordship of Christ.
No wonder we encounter people who say that they don't "need" Jesus. Many think they're good people when them compare themselves to others (similar to what is found in 2 Cor. 10:12), so why bother to have Jesus as a life add-on for happiness? Despite Rev. Dr. Feelgood, Jesus is not about our happiness. Yes, there is happiness and joy, but we need salvation. He came to suffer on the cross and rise from the dead (1 Cor. 15:3-9), and he did this out of love (Rom. 5:8, John 3:16-17).
As we draw closer to Christmas, we need to remember we are celebrating more than just the birth of our Savior. Christ came into this world to redeem us and save us. But from what?
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. (Romans 5:12)Our sin, which is inevitably born through our thoughts and intentions (James 1:14–15), comes so naturally due to the sinful nature (Romans 7:14–25) we inherited from our father Adam, who disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3). Sin, which has brought separation from God—both physical and spiritual (Genesis 2:17)—to all. Sin, which is deserving of death before a holy and righteous God. Sin, worthy of wrath and punishment, which we cannot overcome on our own no matter how desperately we try.
Kindly read the rest at "Why Do We Need a Savior?"
Cradle to the Cross image (at the top) credit: Unsplash / Steve Hruza